Kurzweil K2661 Workstation Review
By Dan: Learn About Us on with Comments 2
While the Kurzweil K2661 workstation, a 61 key keyboard makes this a light and portable instrument, this keyboard has all the power, elegance and functionality of the larger workstations in the Kurzweil K2600 series.
Described by one customer as the “flagship of all keyboards” for use in a live setup, this instrument is perfect for synchronizing and controlling the rest of your stage equipment.
The Kurzweil keyboard incorporates the standard sounds from the K2600 and any new sounds will be compatible with all other K2600s that include ROM1 and ROM2. Additional sounds include the Orchestral ROM block and Contemporary ROM block.
Although the facilities are there to create countless sounds of your own, with the thought that has gone into Kurzweil sounds you will find you rarely need to.
A General MIDI 1 sound set enables authoring of internet MIDI files. The Kurzweil K2661 is a 61 key keyboard that makes this a light and portable instrument. This keyboard has all the power, elegance and functionality of the larger workstations in the Kurzweil K2600 series.
Described by one customer as the “flagship of all keyboards” for use in a live setup, this instrument is perfect for synchronizing and controlling the rest of your stage equipment. The Kurzweil K2661 incorporates the standard sounds from the K2600 and any new sounds will be compatible with all other K2600s that include ROM1 and ROM2. Additional sounds include the Orchestral ROM block and Contemporary ROM block.
Although the facilities are there to create countless sounds of your own, with the thought that has gone into Kurzweil sounds you will find you rarely need to. A General MIDI 1 sound set enables authoring of internet MIDI files. Kurzweil keyboards are designed with their customers in mind.
Brand new features that have been added to the Kurzweil K2661 to meet customer demands include ADAT optical output for 8 channels of 24-bit digital I/O and a SmartMedia slot for easy storage and upgrades. The K2661 features Variable Architecture Synthesis Technology which is exclusive to Kurzweil. It also has a sophisticated 32 track professional sequencer with a maximum internal resolution of 768 ppq, which allows you to playback 8 programs in a single setup. The Kurzweil Digital Effects function (KDFX) is integrated into the K2661.
Kurzweil’s unique VLSI chips and DSP algorithms, when combined with a versatile 5-stereo-bus design, 24-bit signal processing, cutting edge DSP functionality, and unparalleled real-time control, ensure this keyboard workstation can produce professional onboard effects. All Kurzweil K2661 I/O can be routed through KDFX including 8 outputs and 8 inputs from the ADAT digital I/O or analog sampling I/O.
There have been some problems reported with KDFX however, and this is true of all K series workstations. Although it has immense power and is easy to customize, the KDFX function does not lend itself at all to the sequencer. The majority of the inbuilt presets rely on a full studio for their amazing sound. Consequently for sequencing you have to choose instruments that all sound right with the same FX studio.
Despite this minor issue, the Kurzweil K2661 is the ideal solution for the music professional looking for a portable workstation with complete MIDI control, ultra-realistic sounds and high level sequencing functions. Retailing at around $2000 depending on extras, it is great value for money when you consider the extensive functionality. See also: Kurzweil Keyboards designed with their customers in mind.
Brand new features that have been added to the Kurzweil K2661 to meet customer demands include ADAT optical output for 8 channels of 24-bit digital I/O and a SmartMedia slot for easy storage and upgrades.
The K2661 features Variable Architecture Synthesis Technology which is exclusive to Kurzweil. It also has a sophisticated 32 track professional sequencer with a maximum internal resolution of 768 ppq, which allows you to playback 8 programs in a single setup.
The Kurzweil Digital Effects function (KDFX) is integrated into the K2661. Kurzweil’s unique VLSI chips and DSP algorithms, when combined with a versatile 5-stereo-bus design, 24-bit signal processing, cutting edge DSP functionality, and unparalleled real-time control, ensure this keyboard workstation can produce professional onboard effects.
All Kurzweil K2661 I/O can be routed through KDFX including 8 outputs and 8 inputs from the ADAT digital I/O or analog sampling I/O.
There have been some problems reported with KDFX however, and this is true of all K series workstations. Although it has immense power and is easy to customize, the KDFX function does not lend itself at all to the sequencer.
The majority of the inbuilt presets rely on a full studio for their amazing sound. Consequently for sequencing you have to choose instruments that all sound right with the same FX studio.
Despite this minor issue, the Kurzweil K2661 is the ideal solution for the music professional looking for a portable workstation with complete MIDI control, ultra-realistic sounds and high level sequencing functions.
Retailing at around $2000 depending on extras, it is great value for money when you consider the extensive functionality.
Get the Kurzweil K2661 at Amazon
Filed Under: Kurzweil Keyboards
I sold all my old equipment planning to purchase a powerful synthesizer system. So I purchase an old Kurzweil k2500 to keep me busy while I waited to save up to get a motif, triton, moog and other stuff. after messing with the k2500 for a few months, I discovered my need and desire for other keyboards vanished. although programming it and it not haveing the new features the newer keyboards had, the sound and control over the sound plus the ability to sample the sound of those other keyboards I thought I wanted made me fall deeply and madly in love with the K2500. After playing the k2661 in the store, I became totally convinced that with my k2500 and a k2661, I really don’t need anything else except the roland axx to show off.
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Kurzweil is the truth. I’ve made so much money with my K2500. I just stumbled across a K2661 for a mere $400 with the extra ribbon!!! I’ve played almost every keyboard under the Sun, but the Kurzweil K2500 and above, takes the cake for me. From the minute you touch one, and play a chord on its semi-weighted keys, you as a producer are destined for greatness. I’m glad the k2661 has backward compatibility. All it needed was a USB connection. Nonetheless, one of the finest workstations ever made.
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